PORT TOWNSEND — City Manager David Timmons warned Port Townsend residents Tuesday night that they stand to lose street repair dollars, some emergency services and the city pool if a proposed property tax levy increase fails Nov. 2.
“This is the last year that we will be able to sustain our services without something happening,” Timmons told more than 100 Port Townsend residents gathered for an informational forum on city Proposition 1 that would add $1 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to the city’s current $1.945 rate.
The crowd packed the Port Townsend Community Center where Timmons gave the reasons behind the proposed levy, what it would purchase for taxpayers and what would happen if it fails.
Timmons presentation preceded a public comment period — which began after deadline for this edition — and tension built as community members prepared to question the City Council about the stiff tax-rate increase.
Organized on the eve of mailing absentee ballots for the Nov. 2 election, Tuesday’s forum generated public criticism for being too rushed.
“I think the time is too short between the announcement of the measure and the voting for anyone to cast a balanced ballot,” said Port Townsend resident Frank Durbin.
“I am being asked to vote on something I don’t know.”
Out of the country
The forum date was scheduled for Tuesday because Timmons has been out of the country for a month on a trip to Croatia.
Timmons returned last weekend.
City Council members decided that a late forum is better than no forum.
“This is an important matter,” said Mayor Catharine Robinson to the audience.
“My hope for the evening is that those of you with questions will get those questions answered.”
